Today we are taking a look at the TinHiFi C2 Mech Warrior In-Ear Monitor from TinHiFi.
TinHiFi C2 is a new IEM from TinHiFi. It features a 10mm dynamic driver with a composite diaphragm, engaging tuning, CNC machined aviation-grade aluminum alloy shells an,d a detachable cable. TinHiFi C2 is also on my list of top recommended IEMs under $30 in 2023.
Disclaimer: I am not paid to make this review or offer any specific opinions about this product; all thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.
TinHiFi C2 comes in a small carton box. The front of the box features an illustration of the Mech Warrior, accompanied by the TinHiFi logo. On the back of the box, there are several QR codes.
Inside the box:
- TinHiFi C2 IEMs
- Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin connector cable
- Six pairs of silicone ear tips
- Warranty certificate
- And contacts card
The impedance of C2 is 32 Ohm, sensitivity 104dB.
Design & Build
The design of the C2 Mech Warrior distinguishes itself from TinHiFi’s other well-known IEM models. Constructed from aviation-grade aluminum, the gunmetal gray finish of the shells confers a unique and appealing aesthetic. The shells comprise two components, engineered for ergonomic comfort.
A notable design feature is the faceplate, secured to the inner part of the shell through three screws, housing a distinctly shaped vent hole covered by a mesh. Additionally, a second vent hole can be found on the inner shell, positioned in proximity to the nozzle. Speaking of the nozzles, they are composed of metal and display a moderate length and thickness. The nozzle gradually expands towards the end and incorporates a metal insert with a mesh and a small lip, ensuring effective ear tip retention. The inner part of each shell is clearly marked to distinguish the left and right channels.
The IEMs utilize 2-pin connectors, which conveniently facilitate cable detachment, and come bundled with six sets of silicone ear tips. Throughout the review, the stock silicone ear tips were used for all evaluations. The build quality is commendable, with the gunmetal gray finish enhancing the visual appeal of the IEMs.
Fit & comfort
In terms of fit and comfort, the C2 Mech Warrior‘s medium-sized ergonomic shells are notable. Despite their metal construction, the absence of sharp edges contributes to a natural and comfortable feel when inserted into the ears. The average length of the nozzles ensures that achieving a secure fit and seal with the stock ear tips is effortless. Extended usage sessions have validated the comfort provided by these IEMs.
Remarkably, despite the presence of two vents, the C2 Mech Warrior effectively mitigates external noise rendering them suitable for outdoor use as well.
Cable
The cable that comes with IEM is quite basic. It’s a 1.2-meter copper cable with an angled 3.5 mm connector on one end, and two 0.78 2-pin connectors on the other ends.
The connectors have channel markings which are quite hard to read. The cable has a plastic Y-splitter and soft pre-molded ear hooks. It’s low in microphonics and it does it’s job just fine, but using this pair with a better cable can improve overall fit and comfort.
TinHiFi C2 Mech Warrior Sound overview
Please note that all the sound impressions I’m sharing on this channel are completely subjective, so please take them with a grain of salt.
C2 is fairly easy to drive and I had no issues driving this pair from my Samsung Galaxy S10 that was able to bring this pair to my comfort levels of volume with some additional headroom left. The IEM also doesn’t scale much with a powerful source and even basic dongles can drive it to a full potential.
The overall tuning of C2 can be described as U-shaped with a gentle mid bass impact, clean midrange and slightly boosted treble.
Bass
The bass on this pair is surprisingly good, and it offers a solid bass response for most of genres. Sub bass got a good extension, authority and rumble, yet it’s not overly done. The mid-bass has got a good weight, it’s well controlled and has a good amount of punch. Sub bass and mid-bass work well together offering a solid low end presentation. Overall the bass is fast, well controlled and quite resolving for a pair of ultra budget IEMs
Midrange
While the midrange of the TinHiFi C2 Mech Warrior exhibits a minor recession, it remains natural and transparent in tonality. There is a subtle transition between the bass and the lower midrange, resulting in a modest thickness and warmth in the lower mid frequencies, particularly advantageous for enhancing the richness of male vocals. The upper midrange presents an energetic character without venturing into harsh or sibilant territory. These upper frequencies exude precision, capturing intricate details and rendering vocals—both male and female—with an authentic timbral quality. The midrange’s placement within the mix is harmonious and coherent, contributing to an overall laid-back yet well-textured presentation.
Treble
The treble on TinHiFi C2 is well extended, but slightly boosted, making it sometimes sound a bit artificial. It’s relatively smooth and non-fatiguing with a well-recorded material, but with some poor recordings the treble can be borderline harsh. In my case it never crossed that line, and you should keep that in mind if you don’t pay enough attention to the source material.
The treble has a good amount of sparkle, it’s lively and adds a lot of clarity and details to the overall mix. At the same time the treble works really well with the warm U-shaped tuning of this IEM and is perfectly balancing the low end of C2.
Sound stage & imaging
The TinHiFi C2 soundstage width is above average, music mostly sounds out of your head and the presentation is spacious. At the same time the depth of soundstage is average, but the headphones perform better in this regard than many other IEMs from the same price bracket.
Instrument separation totally corresponds to the price bracket. And thanks to slightly boosted treble resolution and detail retrieval are also very good for the price. Imaging is good and I can easily locate everything within my music. Nothing is out of place which is all that we should be asking at this price tag. In addition I have noticed that C2 works really well for multiplayer games, as the sound stage is spacious and imaging is on point.
Conclusions
In my opinion, TinHiFI C2 Mech Warrior is a very solid pair of ultra budget IEMs. It has an engaging and fun sound signature, and excellent technical abilities for its price.
Pros
- Well-executed design and build quality
- Comfortable fit with effective passive noise isolation
- Engaging and dynamic sound signature
- Notable mid-bass impact with controlled presentation
- Crisp and articulate treble frequencies
- Impressive technical performance considering the price
- Exceptional price-to-performance ratio
Cons
Honestly, at this price point, I don’t think this IEM has any real cons. However, I will mention that treble can rarely sound a bit unnatural and overall tuning can be slightly analytical.
TinHiFi did an excellent job with the tuning of C2 and this IEM in punching above it’s weight. It’s an amazing IEM for under 30 US dollars with engaging and lively character and I can recommend this pair to anyone looking for a well-turned ultra-budget IEM with a balanced tuning.
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